Show Time!

If you think all cats are pretty much alike except for the length and color of their fur, a visit to a cat show just might change your mind!

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Are you an ailurophile? The word comes from two Greek words – “ailuro” meaning “cat” and “philos” which means “loving”, so an ailurophile is a person who is fond of cats.

Well this is a great weekend for ailurophiles (including me) because the Birmingham Feline Fanciers Annual Cat Show is taking place today and tomorrow at the Zamora Temple in Irondale. Sanctioned by the Cat Fanciers Association, the show is open to pure-bred cats, but there is also a section for household pets. Proceeds from the show benefit a number of animal charities and organizations, and help to funds spay-neuter efforts for cats in low-income households.

Cat shows are really interesting. You’ll get a chance to see breeds of cats you may otherwise see only in pictures. There are about 40 breeds recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association, which maintains the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats. This show will have accredited CFA judges working in eight show rings to determine which cats come closest to conforming to the standards of their particular breed. Whether you like long-haired or short-haired cats, or those with no hair, like the fascinating Rex, every cat is beautiful and healthy and surprisingly good-natured.

In addition to the pedigree cats, a separate competition is held for household pets. That’s right, ordinary cats with no fancy papers compete in their own category. For them, judging is based on their appearance and disposition. All household pets must be up-to-date on their vaccinations and neutered or spayed. No declawed cats are allowed to compete in either the pure-bred or household pet category.

The Cat Show is open from nine until five today, and nine until four tomorrow. You can find more information online at BirminghamFelineFanciers.com, where you can even print a coupon for a dollar discount off the admission fee.

If you’re in the Birmingham area this weekend, stop by the Zamora Temple in Irondale for the Birmingham Feline Fanciers Cat Show. For ailurophiles like me, it’s THE place to be, when you’re speaking of pets.